Business English: Finance and Economics from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Budgeting

While in the budgeting process, Catherine asks managers to keep their expenses flat. Jake, however, ignores this request believing he can increase sales by spending more on promotions. How do you think Catherine handles this situation? In this week, you’ll watch Catherine and Jake talk about his budget. You’ll observe how she uses questions to help Jake think of ways to meet both of their needs. After completing this week, you’ll be able to form questions that lead to open and honest conversations and produce positive results.

Forecasting

You’ve collected the data, done the analysis, made the forecasts. Now, you must be able to clearly explain your conclusions. After completing this week, you’ll be more prepared for this difficult task. You’ll practice useful language for describing the whole story represented in your charts and graphs and use strategies for staying calm and avoiding defensiveness when challenged. With Catherine as a model in The Challenge, you’ll be off to a good start.

Purchasing

Approving a large expenditure means many hours of giving and taking, of persuading and conceding. This can be a painful process, but it doesn’t need to be. Follow a process that will take the pain away. Learn the language and the process for successfully negotiating solutions where everyone is happy. After completing this week, you’ll be able to follow a process and use the language for negotiating win-win solutions. You’ll also be able to recognize tricky ethical situations where your integrity can shine.

Auditing

“What documentation do you need?” “I’m sorry, but I don’t have time.” These statements are commonly heard while preparing for an audit. Do you have to have super powers to get everyone to just do what you ask? Although you may not have super powers, you definitely have the power to lead others. After completing this week, you’ll be able to recognize 5 types of power, influence positive interactions, and find words that carry the tone of your intended meaning.

Economics

So many trends to follow, so little time. After completing this week, you’ll be able to use reading strategies for quickly finding and comprehending the information and vocabulary you need--even from difficult texts.

Review

In this week, you’ll review and practice key concepts and language from the course. Watch the videos, check your knowledge and understanding with the support of review worksheet.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by recognized industry professionals in finance and economics

Develops communication skills that are expected by global managers

Develops foundational skills in business communication for finance and economics professionals

Provides immediate feedback from other finance professionals around the world

Requires work experience or career interests in finance and economics

Assumes English proficiency as a medium of instruction

Reviews summary

Well-received english course for business

According to students, this Business English: Finance and Economics course gets great reviews, providing good resources for learners.

Helpful materials provided.

"Great course."

"Good resources!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Business English: Finance and Economics with these activities:

Brush up on algebra

Show steps

Review basic algebra skills to strengthen mathematical foundation for finance concepts.

Browse courses on Algebra

Show steps

Identify areas for improvement
Find resources for algebra review
Practice algebra problems
Complete practice tests or quizzes

Online tutorials on financial concepts

Show steps

Watch and follow online tutorials to supplement course materials and enhance understanding of financial concepts.

Browse courses on Finance

Show steps

Search for reputable tutorials
Watch and take notes on the tutorials
Review the tutorials and complete any exercises

Study group

Show steps

Join a study group to discuss course topics, share knowledge, and improve understanding through collaboration.

Show steps

Find or form a study group
Set regular meeting times
Prepare for and participate in study group discussions
Review and discuss course materials
Work together on assignments or projects

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Practice questions

Show steps

Complete practice questions to improve understanding of financial concepts and principles.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

Show steps

Identify areas for improvement
Search for practice questions
Attempt practice questions
Review solutions and explanations

Financial presentation

Show steps

Prepare and deliver a financial presentation to demonstrate understanding and communication skills in a business context.

Browse courses on Financial Analysis

Show steps

Choose a topic and develop a presentation outline
Conduct research and gather data
Create visual aids and slides
Practice and refine the presentation
Deliver the presentation to an audience

Case study analysis

Show steps

Analyze real-world case studies to apply financial principles and develop problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Financial Analysis

Show steps

Identify a relevant case study
Read and analyze the case study
Develop a solution to the case
Present or share your analysis

Financial modeling project

Show steps

Build a financial model to apply and integrate financial concepts and techniques.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

Show steps

Define the project scope and objectives
Gather and analyze financial data
Build the financial model
Test and validate the model
Present the results and insights

Career center

Learners who complete Business English: Finance and Economics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help companies make informed financial decisions. They analyze data to make recommendations on investments, budgeting, and other financial matters. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial modeling, data analysis, and communication. The course also provides insights into the financial industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise capital and advise them on mergers and acquisitions. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets and be able to communicate effectively with clients. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial modeling, valuation, and negotiation. The course also provides insights into the investment banking industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Commercial Banker

Commercial Bankers provide financial services to businesses. They help businesses with their day-to-day banking needs, such as making loans and managing cash flow. They also provide advice on financial matters. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial analysis, credit analysis, and relationship management. The course also provides insights into the commercial banking industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Banker

Auditor

Auditors examine financial records to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. They also provide advice on internal controls and risk management. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as auditing procedures, financial analysis, and communication. The course also provides insights into the auditing industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families manage their finances. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial planning, investment management, and communication. The course also provides insights into the financial planning industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess risk and uncertainty. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as probability, statistics, and financial modeling. The course also provides insights into the actuarial profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use their knowledge to advise businesses and governments on economic policy. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as economic analysis, data analysis, and communication. The course also provides insights into the economics profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts study consumer behavior to help businesses understand their target market. They use their findings to develop marketing campaigns and strategies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as research methods, data analysis, and communication. The course also provides insights into the market research industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Business Consultant

Business Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They provide advice on a variety of topics, such as strategy, operations, and finance. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. The course also provides insights into the consulting industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Consultant

Financial Crime Investigator

Financial Crime Investigators investigate financial crimes, such as fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing. They work with law enforcement agencies and financial institutions to track down and prosecute criminals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial analysis, investigation techniques, and communication. The course also provides insights into the financial crime investigation field, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Crime Investigator

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and assess risks that could affect an organization. They develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as risk assessment, risk management, and communication. The course also provides insights into the risk management profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Insurance Underwriter

Insurance Underwriters assess the risk of insuring individuals and businesses. They determine the terms and conditions of insurance policies and set premiums. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as risk assessment, underwriting, and communication. The course also provides insights into the insurance industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Underwriter

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. They develop and implement compliance programs and monitor compliance activities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as compliance auditing, regulatory knowledge, and communication. The course also provides insights into the compliance profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use their findings to identify trends, patterns, and insights. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as data analysis, data visualization, and communication. The course also provides insights into the data analytics profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They use their findings to draw conclusions about populations and to make predictions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as statistical analysis, data visualization, and communication. The course also provides insights into the statistics profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician